Is the title ''Brony'' deteriorating?

[Windseeker 546]

I never understood one actively engaging in Bronydom activity and yet refuses to call himself a brony. It absolutely makes no sense as I wish people stop thinking its some sort of self-admitting badge of shame.

[LordDiscord 289]

You probably need to ask yourself why the title matters so much. I know a lot of people who liked my little pony before the term beony came into existance who don't call themself brony (myself included). There was already an existing community of people who like MLP so I can't speak for the people who apparently need the title to fit in with a community...but the rest of us are doing fine without a title. I've never needed to call myself something just because I like mlp. I've never needed a label to join in online or in person with others who like MLP.

 

So why does it really matter one way or the other? If some people like MLP but don't assume the brony label why does it matter?

I never said I needed the title or that it was a requirement to be part of the fandom. I just believe that for the most part ''Bronies'' is what we are known as whether we use the title or not. I for one just don't want people outside our fandom to be deterred from it because they are lead to believe that the bronies that ''act out'' are the ones that represent us as a whole. And just up and abandoning the title all together can send off the wrong message to some if not informed otherwise.

I never understood one actively engaging in Bronydom activity and yet refuses to call himself a brony. It absolutely makes no sense as I wish people stop thinking its some sort of self-admitting badge of shame.

That is my thought exactly, I don't see why the title has to be seen as a badge of shame for some, I understand that some might have been driven away from the fandom by actions of others but I don't see why you would have to abandon everything because of these people.

Edited March 7, 2014 by LordDiscord

[Crispy 5,563]

I don't call myself a Brony because I don't think it matters.

 

The same way I don't call myself a Madoka-ite.  Or a member of Fairy Tail.  Or an acolyte of Dexter.  Or any other silly phrase that could be attributed to a random show.  I much prefer when we're called the MLP fandom.

[FoxyCryptid 4,330]

And that's really all I'm saying. There's nothing wrong with setting examples, and calling bad behavior what it is. Just be thoughtful about your methods, because that also sets an example.

 

Pretty much, you need to be compassionate because some of these people might be just having bad days, or suffer from social disabilities that make them literally not know they're acting badly.  

I never understood one actively engaging in Bronydom activity and yet refuses to call himself a brony. It absolutely makes no sense as I wish people stop thinking its some sort of self-admitting badge of shame.

^This.

 

The question it brings to mind is "do your really think anyone stupid enough to generalize us is going to give a shit if you claim the fandom the title or not?"

 

 

I saw a good point made about abandoning the title. Every piece of merch aimed at us uses the word, all the people involved with the show call us bronies, the Doc(which is awesome, I don't care what anyone thinks. I like my cheesy warm-fuzzies and it delivered.) and anyone talking about us uses it. To let the assholes have it would be handing literally everything we've worked hard for(and all the credit for the things we've done under the title) to them.  

Edited March 8, 2014 by Shoboni

[Freewave 1,145]

Well we've seen a lot of some of the original FIM fans step back from the community and likely that word as they don't want it to define them. Sadly i've seen many cool people walk away from this fandom because they no longer feel that spark of creativity from the show, it doesn't mean the same thing to them anymore, or they have a negative feeling about the community due to all the internal problems that we have. Not calling yourself a brony because you want to distance yourself from the community is a bit silly and rather self-loathing in my book. It lets the negatives override our positives.

[Guest]

I never bore the title in the first place. I never saw the point of bearing the title. Sure, I am not ashamed of liking the show, but I see no reason to be proud of it. I reserve pride for accomplishments. On top of that, I think the mentality of fans need to wear the title is kind of what's turning people off of it and making people hide their like for the show. People are trying to force conformity "into the herd" and I have seen it even on this very forum.

 

I think it's perfectly acceptable to have "fans" and "bronies". Why can't the two co-exist? Why must all fans be bronies?

[LordDiscord 289]

I never bore the title in the first place. I never saw the point of bearing the title. Sure, I am not ashamed of liking the show, but I see no reason to be proud of it. I reserve pride for accomplishments. On top of that, I think the mentality of fans need to wear the title is kind of what's turning people off of it and making people hide their like for the show. People are trying to force conformity "into the herd" and I have seen it even on this very forum.

 

I think it's perfectly acceptable to have "fans" and "bronies". Why can't the two co-exist? Why must all fans be bronies?

Ok I think I must have given off the wrong impression, I am not trying to say that we '''have to'' wear the title, I was trying to say that I did not want to see it degrade into something it isn't. I for one agree that we can have ''fans'' and ''bronies'' I just don't want to see the title become something that would drive someone away from the fandom, just by the notion that they would be seen as one, for liking MLP.

[Guest]

Ok I think I must have given off the wrong impression, I am not trying to say that we '''have to'' wear the title, I was trying to say that I did not want to see it degrade into something it isn't. I for one agree that we can have ''fans'' and ''bronies'' I just don't want to see the title become something that would drive someone away from the fandom, just by the notion that they would be seen as one, for liking MLP.

I don't really know how to help you there, sadly.

 

The truth is, that the fandom has left a bad impression on the internet and there really isn't a way to erase that. Comes with the territory.

[Katana 298]

I'm reminded of this comic.

 

"Hi, I'm a lesbian"

 

Okay, it ends on a humorous note, but the point is that letting yourself be defined by one particular aspect is a bit centric.

 

I like MLP. I also like Gravity Falls, moviemaking, programming, and, as you can see from my avatar, Ghost Trick. Plus, I think that super-defining titles for people, like "Trekkie", or "Brony" sound a little stupid and silly. Especially the second one.

 

PLUS, I understand most women think the term "Pegasister" is stupid, and calling them "Bronies" hardly makes much sense. In the end, it was a funny trend back when this was some new, demographic-defying thing, but now it's basically just a TV show you can be a fan of and make awesome community stuff about. Like many other shows/games/etc.

 

Look at the closest cousin: I don't think Team Fortress 2 players/moviemakers/comic-writers ever really call themselves "Forters" or something.

 

EDIT: Sadly, I wrote that before looking much at the second page. So, if you feel that the term is getting "twisted", that is unfortunate, but it may also be true.

I've been feeling the same way about "Gamers". Gamers, the enthusiastic game-loving type, when taken as a whole population, are not all that savory. A short trip to Xbox Live will make that clear to you. Unfortunately, that's sort of the worrying result of being an "inclusive" group - and heck, it's often why many communities, like certain gaming guilds, are invite-only.

 

Unless brony-types were to start carrying a club card that they only give out special invitation circumstances for, the solution is just to do what you can in terms of self-policing. Be aware of your own behavior. Do NOT shove ponies on anyone who's not interested, and make clear to any friends of yours doing so that it's not okay. Also, sometimes think about the pony jokes you make to think "Is this *only* funny because I'm a fan of the show, aware of all the inside jokes? Hm. Maybe a Lord of the Rings parody in which every 4th word is replaced with Muffin isn't actually something so many people would be interested in."

 

The plus side is that that kind of self-awareness HAS had positive effects before. I've seen more than a few people remark that "Okay, I have no interest in a show for little girls about animated dolls, but I have to admit bronies are generally pretty cool, and this particular comic involving anvils and ham sandwiches was really funny."

Edited March 8, 2014 by Katana

[Tigerpop198 696]

I use "The Pony Peoples." as my phrase for bronies. It's a lot more secretive, and sounds better.

[LordDiscord 289]

I'm reminded of this comic.

 

"Hi, I'm a lesbian"

 

Okay, it ends on a humorous note, but the point is that letting yourself be defined by one particular aspect is a bit centric.

 

I like MLP. I also like Gravity Falls, moviemaking, programming, and, as you can see from my avatar, Ghost Trick. Plus, I think that super-defining titles for people, like "Trekkie", or "Brony" sound a little stupid and silly. Especially the second one.

 

PLUS, I understand most women think the term "Pegasister" is stupid, and calling them "Bronies" hardly makes much sense. In the end, it was a funny trend back when this was some new, demographic-defying thing, but now it's basically just a TV show you can be a fan of and make awesome community stuff about. Like many other shows/games/etc.

 

Look at the closest cousin: I don't think Team Fortress 2 players/moviemakers/comic-writers ever really call themselves "Forters" or something.

 

EDIT: Sadly, I wrote that before looking much at the second page. So, if you feel that the term is getting "twisted", that is unfortunate, but it may also be true.

I've been feeling the same way about "Gamers". Gamers, the enthusiastic game-loving type, when taken as a whole population, are not all that savory. A short trip to Xbox Live will make that clear to you. Unfortunately, that's sort of the worrying result of being an "inclusive" group - and heck, it's often why many communities, like certain gaming guilds, are invite-only.

 

Unless brony-types were to start carrying a club card that they only give out special invitation circumstances for, the solution is just to do what you can in terms of self-policing. Be aware of your own behavior. Do NOT shove ponies on anyone who's not interested, and make clear to any friends of yours doing so that it's not okay. Also, sometimes think about the pony jokes you make to think "Is this *only* funny because I'm a fan of the show, aware of all the inside jokes? Hm. Maybe a Lord of the Rings parody in which every 4th word is replaced with Muffin isn't actually something so many people would be interested in."

 

The plus side is that that kind of self-awareness HAS had positive effects before. I've seen more than a few people remark that "Okay, I have no interest in a show for little girls about animated dolls, but I have to admit bronies are generally pretty cool, and this particular comic involving anvils and ham sandwiches was really funny."

I don't really mean that we should try to monitor the fandom and weed out the bad ones, but there are things we could do to encourage those those that use the title to not shove the fandom in areas where it doesn't belong. To atleast show that we are not all like the ones people use to define us. I know we can't really expect the people that like to troll and cause grief to just up and stop, but that does not mean we should let that behavior spread either.

I use "The Pony Peoples." as my phrase for bronies. It's a lot more secretive, and sounds better.

And you have every right to do so, the purpose of this thread is not to tell you what title to use or that you should use it. Its purpose is to find out whether the title itself is degrading into something that is frowned upon or am I just looking to deep into things.

[Tigerpop198 696]

 

 

is to find out whether the title itself is degrading into something that is frowned upon or am I just looking to deep into things.

Yes, I understand, I'm just putting out some suggestions, to those that do not want to go by that title. To answer the question though, I don't think it is deteriorating, just there are other words that are better to use.

[LordDiscord 289]

Yes, I understand, I'm just putting out some suggestions, to those that do not want to go by that title. To answer the question though, I don't think it is deteriorating, just there are other words that are better to use.

Well the only reason I ask is because from my personal experience, the people that are refusing to take on the title are ones that have a sour outlook toward the fandom as a whole and feel that if they associate themselves within the fandom then that means they will be looked down upon because of the title they feel would be slapped onto them.

[Tigerpop198 696]

 

 

Well the only reason I ask is because from my personal experience, the people that are refusing to take on the title are ones that have a sour outlook toward the fandom as a whole and feel that if they associate themselves within the fandom then that means they will be looked down upon because of the title they feel would be slapped onto them.

 

For me, I'll take any label, it's just some sound better. That being said I do agree with what you said. 

[Golden Muse 15]

The title is what people think it is. If a brony loves being identified as a brony, then to him/her, it's not at all degrading, but if he/she doesn't like being called a brony, then it's degrading. To me, it's a neutral term; all it means to me is that a person is a My Little Pony fan (although, I will say, it makes me excited when someone knows I'm a brony). I would encourage people to take pride in being part of the fandom, just like a person might be proud of belonging to a religion or a nationality. Don't be ashamed of who you are; embrace your title!

[Oblivion 20,266]

There are many cases where I felt the same way as your friend, there's just a lot of times where I feel like certain dramas that just bring out the worst in some fans, whether it be something trivial grimdark fanfics or Rule 34, or things that happen in the show like Derpygate, Twilicorn, and Equestria Girls. They just really turn fans into nasty people sometimes. I can't really blame him for feeling that way.

 

But in all I don't think it's "deteriorating", it's just going through another phase(sometimes being a fan can be fun, sometimes it can be miserable)

I have never been miserable in this fandom, I tend to just take everything with a grain of salt and TRY not to get too upset over trivial little things, such as "who is best pony" and things like that!

[AnonBrony 1,468]

I've been in this fandom for a long time... I remember a time when almost everyone was proud to call themselves a Brony, proud to be a part of the fandom. Now it seems like people only like to focus on the bad part of the fandom and because of that they are ashamed to even want to be called a Brony or perhaps they just don't like the name and don't realize how truly awesome we are.

 

I call myself a Brony not because I'm proud of the show or proud a watch a T.V. show. I call myself a Brony because I am proud to be in this amazing community. For almost three years I'm seen and met the awesome people of this fandom. I've seen all of the wonderful things we've made and done.The creativity, the kindness, the friendliness, the talent, the general awesomeness of this fandom. And I've had wonderful experiences in this fandom too; all the laughs and friends I've made.

 

That is why I will always see the term Brony never as degrading, but something to be proud of. Sure we may have a darkside and our bad apples and dramas, but so does the whole of everything on this world. I just wish to celebrate all the positive things of the fandom, not the negative. 

 

However, that what I feel about the term. I cannot speak for others. If everyone else thinks the term is degrading then... I suppose you have your answer. It all depends on what we all think of the term. It just saddens me very much that they think it is degrading. 

 

Now as for labels, I know they are just names but honestly I do not care what I am called. I don't respond to labels by saying "Why should we be called them? It doesn't mater" but saying "Why not? It's true isn't it?" If you are a fan of MLP, and a Brony means being a fan of MLP then well why deny it? Embrace it. Like I may not always call myself a Whovian (Fan of Doctor Who) But I'm not gonna simply say "No I'm not a Whovian, I'm a fan of Doctor Who" To me that's just stupid and contradicting.

[KarentheUnicorn 218]

 

Now as for labels, I know they are just names but honestly I do not care what I am called. I don't respond to labels by saying "Why should we be called them? It doesn't mater" but saying "Why not? It's true isn't it?" If you are a fan of MLP, and a Brony means being a fan of MLP then well why deny it? Embrace it. Like I may not always call myself a Whovian (Fan of Doctor Who) But I'm not gonna simply say "No I'm not a Whovian, I'm a fan of Doctor Who" To me that's just stupid and contradicting.

 

 

Stupid...really? I've been into MLP since 1983. So if we don't assume the brony title or accept it and join the herd we are stupid and contradicting?

 

I've liked MLP for 30 years, that some people just decided to start liking in the last 3 and decided to make up a 'group name' for it means I'm supposed to be a brony??? Just because some people want to call themself brony? People that watch the FIM cartoon are deciding things like this for me? And because I don't accept the title for myself I'm one of the stupid and contradictory people?

 

I don't define liking MLP by what happened in the last 3 years. It's like telling me I have to change my name to something else because a lot of people think I'm supposed to be called that name. Sorry, it doesn't work for me and if you feel like it's stupid or contradictory then that's your problem.

[LordDiscord 289]

Stupid...really? I've been into MLP since 1983. So if we don't assume the brony title or accept it and join the herd we are stupid and contradicting?

 

I've liked MLP for 30 years, that some people just decided to start liking in the last 3 and decided to make up a 'group name' for it means I'm supposed to be a brony??? Just because some people want to call themself brony? People that watch the FIM cartoon are deciding things like this for me? And because I don't accept the title for myself I'm one of the stupid and contradictory people?

 

I don't define liking MLP by what happened in the last 3 years. It's like telling me I have to change my name to something else because a lot of people think I'm supposed to be called that name. Sorry, it doesn't work for me and if you feel like it's stupid or contradictory then that's your problem.

You have every right to refuse to use the title as I have to bear it, this thread was merely meant to ask whether the title itself was becoming something people would turn away from the fandom because of. It isn't really a secret that a lot of media outlets and the general populous consider ''fans=brony'' regardless of whether you use the title or not, and I am just concerned that if the title itself becomes something that people would be disgusted to hear that they may turn away from the fandom merely because the would feel that being a fan would make them a brony. I believe we as a community should work on getting the message out that not every brony is disruptive or a griever as well as inform people that just because some fans don't take on the title that that does not mean they hate the show or its community. 

Edited March 8, 2014 by LordDiscord

[FoxyCryptid 4,330]

Stupid...really? I've been into MLP since 1983. So if we don't assume the brony title or accept it and join the herd we are stupid and contradicting?

 

I've liked MLP for 30 years, that some people just decided to start liking in the last 3 and decided to make up a 'group name' for it means I'm supposed to be a brony??? Just because some people want to call themself brony? People that watch the FIM cartoon are deciding things like this for me? And because I don't accept the title for myself I'm one of the stupid and contradictory people?

 

I don't define liking MLP by what happened in the last 3 years. It's like telling me I have to change my name to something else because a lot of people think I'm supposed to be called that name. Sorry, it doesn't work for me and if you feel like it's stupid or contradictory then that's your problem.

 

MLP is a strange case as a franchise because G4 is radically different from the rest of the shows(and in turns attracts such a radically different audience) that it's almost like there's two different fandoms(with some overlap, of course). Those two being the bronies and long-time fans respectively.  

[KarentheUnicorn 218]

MLP is a strange case as a franchise because G4 is radically different from the rest of the shows(and in turns attracts such a radically different audience) that it's almost like there's two different fandoms(with some overlap, of course). Those two being the bronies and long-time fans respectively.  

 

See, you say 'shows'. That's probably the difference because I don't view it as just a cartoon. Since I started buying ponies in 1983, I think the first cartoon ever made for MLP came out in 84ish maybe (forget the year for the first special) but back then I didn't have instant access to the cartoon like people do now. I probably didn't see the tv special till much later when I was able to rent it at a video store. I never saw it when it first aired on TV and it wasn't a big thing to me. I was mainly into the toy before hasbro ever created something for me to watch. I was already into MLP by then, the show was just an afterthought or as I like to think of it, an accessory.

 

I think that is where the difference is. Brony is generally those that watch the cartoon FIM and are into FIM only. It's seemingly or at least from what I've gathered so far from reading this board, all opinions come forth from that; the show is the thing.

 

It's why so many people call Tales G2...because they were not into MLP at the time to know it falls under the G1 generation. Since some don't view the toy line as important they base all opinions on what the cartoon arch did. For me, there were ponies before they appeared on TV, so it's not like if something happened on the show or a pony had a certain personality I had to follow it.

 

It's why when seeing comments about how horrible something was in a previous generation, those opinions are coming from what the cartoon was. Because when i see folks post G3 was horrible, I'm kinda like what...the toys were awesome LOL! When I think G3, I don't even think about the cartoon, I think about the toy line...and really any of the MLP gen. I'm gonna think of the toyline first.

 

So I'm thinking that's where the difference is. Not only in age but the focus for the two fandoms of MLP.

 

I think instead of people assuming everyone who likes MLP is a brony, seemingly it's FIM centered people who are Bronies, the rest of us are something else; call us toy collector or long time fan but we're not really bronies.

[Steel Accord 6,660]

I couldn't agree with you more.

 

I have run into some that have indeed forsook the honorific in favor of "I watch the show." I'm not sure what feels worse, someone leaving the fandom entirely or just being adrift within it.

 

I do not think overall it's becoming a negative, but I agree the behavior within the fandom that causes this phenomenon must cease. Unfortunately, I can't think of a way to enact that beyond just being a good brony yourself.

[FoxyCryptid 4,330]

See, you say 'shows'. That's probably the difference because I don't view it as just a cartoon. Since I started buying ponies in 1983, I think the first cartoon ever made for MLP came out in 84ish maybe (forget the year for the first special) but back then I didn't have instant access to the cartoon like people do now. I probably didn't see the tv special till much later when I was able to rent it at a video store. I never saw it when it first aired on TV and it wasn't a big thing to me. I was mainly into the toy before hasbro ever created something for me to watch. I was already into MLP by then, the show was just an afterthought or as I like to think of it, an accessory.

 

I think that is where the difference is. Brony is generally those that watch the cartoon FIM and are into FIM only. It's seemingly or at least from what I've gathered so far from reading this board, all opinions come forth from that; the show is the thing.

 

It's why so many people call Tales G2...because they were not into MLP at the time to know it falls under the G1 generation. Since some don't view the toy line as important they base all opinions on what the cartoon arch did. For me, there were ponies before they appeared on TV, so it's not like if something happened on the show or a pony had a certain personality I had to follow it.

 

It's why when seeing comments about how horrible something was in a previous generation, those opinions are coming from what the cartoon was. Because when i see folks post G3 was horrible, I'm kinda like what...the toys were awesome LOL! When I think G3, I don't even think about the cartoon, I think about the toy line...and really any of the MLP gen. I'm gonna think of the toyline first.

 

So I'm thinking that's where the difference is. Not only in age but the focus for the two fandoms of MLP.

 

I think instead of people assuming everyone who likes MLP is a brony, seemingly it's FIM centered people who are Bronies, the rest of us are something else; call us toy collector or long time fan but we're not really bronies.

 

 

Well some of us do collect merch(it's a weak spot for me because it's one of the few things I'm really that into that has easily and cheaply acquired merch in such an abundance).

 

That is about the just of it though. The Brony fandom is centered on FiM/G4. There is overlap though(some of the early "epic" fanfics from before G4 was as massively fleshed out as it now use concepts from G1 and integrate the two worlds together)

 

and yes, G3(G3.5 especially) were kind of bad even by children's cartoon standards. G3.5 is pretty much an affront to animation in general and even makes some of the shit on Newgrounds look good.   

Edited March 9, 2014 by Shoboni

[AnonBrony 1,468]

@@KarentheUnicorn,

 

I guess I should of been clear on this in the first place. Brony is meant for fans of FIM and just FIM. There is no name for fans of Older Gens... You do not have to call yourself a Brony if you do not wish to, even though I really don't see what you don't want to. However you being on these forums I'd assume you are a Fan of FiM and well that is what Brony means to most people. So people will still consider you a Brony. 

Edited March 9, 2014 by AnonBrony

[Windseeker 546]

Stupid...really? I've been into MLP since 1983. So if we don't assume the brony title or accept it and join the herd we are stupid and contradicting?

Erm... isn't that why you are here? You did click the little green button that said 'Join The Herd' have you not?

 

A label alone has made us a united media powerhouse; as a massive community that intends to break down gender barriers, defend our interests, and endure something the public sees as taboo I wholeheartedly believe that a 'group name' is a vital component in this.

 

I've liked MLP for 30 years, that some people just decided to start liking in the last 3 and decided to make up a 'group name' for it means I'm supposed to be a brony??? Just because some people want to call themself brony? People that watch the FIM cartoon are deciding things like this for me? And because I don't accept the title for myself I'm one of the stupid and contradictory people?

We picked the name for ourselves and went along with it, we only politely told other fandomites who stubbornly refused the title that its hypocritical and pointless to deny it. If some MLP fans don't want to wear the title and pretend not to associate themselves with Bronydom then fine, they still share the same exact interests with the exception of catching more flak than those who define themselves as bronies and stand beside the flourishing community behind it.

 

The perception of outsiders on bronies will change (even if just slightly) if they are aware its a popular social aggregate.